The Early Show

The Early Show

2008: Laura Vs. Hillary?

The next presidential election is three years away, but that doesn't seem to matter much in Washington, where, CBS News correspondent Thalia Assuras reports on The Early Show,first lady Laura Bush is being touted as a possible contender.

There's already a lot of buzz about whether the Democrats will choose Hillary Rodham Clinton. In fact, a recent survey found 53 percent of Americans are at least somewhat likely to vote for her. But the newest Republican strategy could take the fight into a whole new ring.

On a recent "Larry King Live," the wife of the vice-president saw this as an all-female challenge.

"I think Mrs. Bush ought to run for president. If we want to have a Bush dynasty, let's get Laura Bush. Has she been wonderful?" Lynn Cheney said.

The current first lady taking on the former first lady. Mr. V.P. says he won't run, so why not?

By his wife's side, Vice President Dick Cheney added, "I think I know who would win, too."

The proof could be in the numbers. The latest CBS News poll shows President Bush's approval rating at 46 percent. But should there be a push to keep the Bush family in the White House for another four years? Mrs. Bush has a sky-high approval rating of 80 percent. And she seems to have been working on her speaking skills.

On April 30 at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, Mrs. Bush made people laugh by saying, "I've been attending these dinners for years and just quietly sitting there. Well, I've got a few things I want to say for a change."

When asked about the proposed match-up, Sen. Clinton's office declined to get into any pre-fight banter, saying: "Sen. Clinton remains focused on being the best senator she can be for the people of New York."